Why hospital policies matter in states that ban abortion
By Kavitha Surana, Lizzie Presser and Andrea Suozzo, ProPublica Photo: Dr. Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, a retired maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Dallas. Photo by Lexi Parra for ProPublica This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published. November 18, 2025 (Dallas/Houston) – Nearly four years ago in Texas, the state’s new abortion law started getting in the way of basic miscarriage care: As women waited in hospitals cramping, fluid running down their legs, doctors told them they couldn’t empty their uterus to guard against deadly complications. The state banned most abortions, even in pregnancies that were no longer viable; then, it added criminal penalties, threatening to imprison doctors for life and punish hospitals. The law had one exception, for a life-threatening emergency. Heeding the advice of hospital lawyers, many doctors withheld treatment until they could document patients were in peril. They sent tests to labs, praying for signs of infection, and watched as women lost so much blood that they needed transfusions.“You would see the pain in peoples’ eyes,” one doctor said of her patients. Not every hospital tolerated this new normal, ProPublica found. A seismic split emerged in how medical institutions in the state’s two largest metro areas treated miscarrying patients — and in how these women fared. Leaders of influential hospitals in Dallas empowered doctors to intervene before patients’ conditions worsened, allowing them to induce deliveries or perform procedures to empty the uterus. In Houston, most did not. The result, according to a first-of-its-kind ProPublica analysis of state hospital discharge data, is that while the rates of dangerous infections spiked across Texas after it banned abortion in 2021, women in Houston were far more likely to get gravely ill than those in Dallas. As ProPublica reported earlier this year, the statewide rate of sepsis — a life-threatening reaction to infection — shot up more than 50% for women hospitalized when they lost a second-trimester pregnancy. A new analysis zooms in: In the region surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth, it rose 29%. In the Houston area, it surged 63%. Photo, right: Note: For hospitalizations at facilities in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth perinatal care regions involving a pregnancy loss between 13 weeks’ gestation and the end of the 21st week. Rates are annual. Chart by Lucas Waldron/ProPublica ProPublica has documented widespread differences in how hospitals across the country have translated abortion bans into policy. Some have supported doctors in treating active miscarriages and high-risk cases with procedures technically considered abortions; others have forbidden physicians from doing so, or left them on their own to decide, with no legal backing in case of arrest. This marks the first analysis in the wake of abortion bans that connects disparities in hospital policies to patient outcomes. It shows that when a state law is unclear and punitive, how an institution interprets it can make all the difference for patients. Yet the public has no way to know which hospitals or doctors will offer options during miscarriages. Hospitals in states where abortion is banned have been largely unwilling to disclose their protocols for handling common complications. When ProPublica asked, most in Texas declined to say. ProPublica’s Texas reporting is based on interviews with 22 doctors in both the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas who had insight into policies at 10 institutions covering more than 75% of the births and pregnancy-loss hospitalizations in those areas. The findings come as evidence of the fatal consequences of abortion bans continue to mount, with a new report just last month showing that the risk of maternal mortality is nearly twice as high for women living in states that ban abortion. Last year, ProPublica documented five preventable maternal deaths, including three in Texas. One second-trimester pregnancy complication that threatens patients’ lives is previable premature rupture of membranes, called PPROM, when a woman’s water breaks before the fetus can live on its own. Without amniotic fluid, the likelihood of the fetus surviving is low. But with every passing hour that a patient waits for treatment or for labor to start, the risk of sepsis increases. The Texas Supreme Court has said that doctors can legally provide abortions in PPROM cases, even when an emergency is not imminent. Yet legal departments at many major Houston hospitals still advise physicians not to perform abortions in these cases, doctors there told ProPublica, until they can document serious infection. Dr. John Thoppil, the immediate past president of the Texas Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said he was “blown away” by this finding. He said it’s time for hospitals to stop worrying about hypothetical legal consequences of the ban and start worrying more about the real threats to patients’ lives. “I think you’re risking legal harm the opposite way for not intervening,” he said, “and putting somebody at risk.” “We Have Your Back” In the summer of 2021, Dr. Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, a Dallas specialist in high-risk pregnancy, listened as hospital lawyers explained to a group of UT Southwestern Medical Center doctors that they would no longer be able to act on their clinical judgment. For decades, these UT Southwestern physicians had followed the guidance of major medical organizations: They offered patients with PPROM the option to end the pregnancy to protect against serious infection. But under the state’s new abortion ban, they would no longer be allowed to do so while practicing at the county’s safety net hospital, Parkland Memorial, which delivers more babies than almost any other in the country. Nor would they be permitted at UT Southwestern’s William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. Lawyers from the two hospitals explained in a meeting that the law’s only exception was for a “medical emergency” — but it wasn’t clear how the courts would define that. With no precedent or guidance from the state, they advised the doctors that they
ACT II provides budget-friendly and stylish women’s fashions
By Heidi Hope November 18, 2025 (La Mesa)– For 43 years, Act II has been a thriving and successful boutique offering women’s resale fashion in La Mesa’s downtown village. It is a trendy store started from a family business in 1982 by Dolores Buller and her daughter Deanne Ross, who still owns the store. Act II focuses on stylish female fashion with the hope of helping others dress well, feel good and maintain a budget-friendly experience. Andrea Holland, Act II’s store manager, explains the process of gathering fashions to sell and describes their fashion specialty for women’s clothing. “Ladies resell–we specialize in current trendy fashion, and we have wonderful prices,”Holland says. “You can get designer wardrobe here for just really great deals.” Act II is all about weekly purchase. “People call and make appointments to come in and show us their items…We look through them and determine whether we can sell them or not.” Holland explains. Act II always aims to have the best products for customers. Furthermore, Act II offers garments according to seasonal trends. “There’s so many trends and vibes out now, so we kind of have a little bit of everything, but definitely we do follow seasons and trends,” Holland shares. Additionally, Holland also describes how she researches to learn what trends and styles are emerging throughout each season, which is through Instagram influencers, along with magazines and TV shows. “I like looking on Instagram and following influencers and seeing what is out, also through magazines, TV shows. You just find out what everyone is wearing and kind of follow along and stay with the times.” Holland says. Lastly, Holland shares her perspective on fashion and how to approach styling, which is feeling good and confident in how you’re dressed, which will never go wrong. “I feel like people are definitely doing mixes of everything, whether they’re wearing 90s fashion and 80s fashion, and just really making it their own,” Holland says, “and I think as long as you feel good in what you’re wearing, then, you know, it might work for you.” Act II is also a go-to destination for women’s formal wear, such as prom dresses, gowns and cocktail attire. You can come visit Act II boutique and enjoy exciting discount opportunities at 8360 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942. Check out Act II online: website https://www.myactii.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/act2lamesa/ FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/ACTiiBoutique/.
Pack the Pantry food drive raises over 30,000 meals for local community college students
Source: Cal Coast Credit Union November 18, 2025 (San Diego) – – Food pantries on local community college campuses are about to get a big boost just on time for the upcoming holidays, and to help make up for expected federal food aid cutbacks. The 7th annual Pack the Pantry virtual food drive raised $16,819 in the month of October, which will provide more than 33,000 meals to local community college students facing food insecurity. The annual food drive is organized by California Coast Credit Union in partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and local community colleges in San Diego and Imperial counties. According to recent research, nearly 50 percent of local community college students face food insecurity, meaning they don’t have consistent access to food. Demand at the food pantries typically increases as the holidays approach. Local community colleges have also been bracing for planned cuts to federal food assistance programs. “The Pack the Pantry food drive demonstrates what happens when our community truly comes together to uplift students,” said Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President of Southwestern Community College and Chair of SDICCCA. “This support strengthens the vital resources our colleges provide and reinforces to our students that they are not alone. We are grateful for partners like California Coast Credit Union and the San Diego Food Bank whose commitment helps ensure our students feel seen, valued, and supported—especially during this time of year.” “The success of this year’s Pack the Pantry drive is a testament to the compassion and generosity of our community;” said Kyra Seay, Cal Coast Vice President of Community Relations. “With rising education costs, reductions in federal food aid looming, and the holidays approaching, it’s more important than ever to support our students. We’re proud to stand with our local community colleges and the San Diego Food Bank to ensure students have the nourishment they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.” The San Diego Food Bank will coordinate the distribution of food to the local campus pantries. “Food insecurity is one of the biggest barriers to student success, and no one should have to choose between buying textbooks and buying groceries,” said Casey Castillo, CEO, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and partners like California Coast Credit Union, thousands of local college students will have access to nutritious meals during the holidays and beyond. Together, we’re ensuring that students can focus on their education without worrying about where their next meal will come from.” You can continue helping stock food pantries throughout the community by donating to the San Diego Food Bank at: www.sdfoodbank.org. About California Coast Credit Union Established by San Diego teachers in 1929, California Coast Credit Union is the longest-serving financial institution based in San Diego County. With more than $3 billion in assets, the credit union serves nearly 200,000 members through its local network of 26 branches, and 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. California Coast is not-for-profit, provides no-cost financial education for adults and youth, and is committed to improving the lives of its members and others in the community. Anyone who lives or works in San Diego or Riverside county can be a member. For more information, visit https://www.calcoastcu.org or call (877) 495-1600. About the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank Founded in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County. Serving as the region’s food safety net, the organization provides food to people in need, advocates for the hungry and educates the public about hunger-related issues. Through a network of direct service programs and more than 450 nonprofit partners, the Food Bank serves an average of 400,000 people every month. In fiscal year 2025, the organization distributed over 52 million pounds of food — equivalent to more than 43.3 million meals. Learn more at sandiegofoodbank.org and follow us @sdfoodbank. About SDICCCA The San Diego & Imperial Counties Community College Association (SDICCCA) represents six community college districts: Southwestern, San Diego, Grossmont-Cuyamaca, Palomar, MiraCosta, and Imperial Valley. Together, these colleges serve more than 206,000 students and provide the workforce backbone of the region’s $250 billion economy.
Trump does damage control after newly released Epstein emails say Trump spent hours with sex trafficking victim at Epstein’s home
NPR/PBS poll finds just 20% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of Epstein matter Update November 18, 2025: The House of Representatives voted to release the Epstein files by a 427 to 1 margin. It now goes to the Senate. The measure passed overwhelming after Pres. Trump withdrew his opposition once enough members had pledged support to assure passage. By Alexander J. Schorr Image: Best Friends Forever sculpture of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein November 17, 2025 — In a surprise reversal, President Trump announced approval of the upcoming Congressional vote to release Justice Department documents and data related to convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein. “We’ll give them everything,” said Trump, who said he would sign a bill to release the “complete” stock of Epstein files if it ends up on his desk. Trump has been avoiding the press about newly released emails connecting him to Epstein’s criminal sex trafficking of young girls. Trump’s name appeared at least 1,500 times in documents from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein made public last week in the US Congress, according to CBS News. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released three emails referencing Trump, including one Epstein wrote in 2011 in which he told his confidant Ghislaine Maxwell that Trump had “spent hours” at Epstein’s house with one of Epstein’s trafficking victims. Documents indicate that Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell discussed Trump frequently in newly released emails between 2011 and 2019. “Of course he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop,” Epstein wrote in an email to author Michael Wolff on Jan. 31, 2019, the Miami Herald reports. If Trump had knowledge of Epstein’s abuse and trafficking of under-age girls, however, he apparently never reported it to law enforcement. Another newly released email from Epstein referenced potential “photos of Donald and girls in bikinis in my kitchen.” Trump has denied any wrongdoing, calling the story a “hoax,” and saying that his relationship with Epstein ended around 2004. But in a November 2017 email, Epstein said he was planning to spend Thanksgiving with President Trump–after Epstein had been convicted of sexual crimes with minors. Epstein died in prison during Trump’s first term of office, reportedly by committing suicide. Trump has consistent denied any knowledge of Epstein’s sexual abuse of women and minors, and has not been charged with wrongdoing in connection with the case. But recent news regarding Trump and the abused underage women associated with Epstein are creating political fallout as media and Congressional investigations threaten to unravel aspects of Trump’s MAGA movement at the seams. In an exchange between Epstein and Thomas Landon Jr., Epstein said that after two years of dating “Hawaiian Tropic girl Lauren Petrella,” he allegedly gave his “20-year-old girlfriend in [1993]” to Trump. Trump did in fact date this woman, taking her to an event where he met his current wife Melania. According to The Cut, Petrella met Trump in 1998 at the Kit Kat Club in New York during a party thrown by Paolo Zampolli, the owner of the modeling agency. Zampolli became a personal associate of Trump and the Trump organization; he is currently serving as the U.S. Special Representative For Global Partnerships. Trump claims his falling out with Epstein was because Epstein “stole” young women, including the late Virgina Giuffre, who worked at the spa at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club. Giuffre, a prominent Epstein accuser, long insisted that Trump was not among the men who victimized her. Even if he did not abuse Giuffre, however, Epstein reportedly had around 1,000 victims of sexual abuse, leaving open the possibility that Trump spent time alone with one or more other abused minors. Epstein’s assertion that Trump was aware of other women in his social circle seemingly referencing Trump’s claim that he kicked Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club for poaching young women who worked there. There is also a blunt and private assessment of Trump that Epstein made during the president’s first term: “I told everyone from day one. [E]vil beyond belief, mad,” Epstein wrote in March 2018, stating that Trump “feels alone. [A]nd is nuts !!!” Epstein said that Trump was “the dog that hasn’t barked,” even musing about letting Trump “hang himself” with comments about their relationship. This piece of information comes from a 2011 email exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell, implying that Trump was being shielded or was not a target for specific reasons. Epstein implies that Donald Trump’s lack of public involvement or mention in the ongoing investigations at the time was suspicious, suggesting a potential underlying reason for his silence or immunity. Critics suggest that Epstein was implying Trump was involved in his activities but remained silent to avoid scrutiny, or that law enforcement was intentionally avoiding investigating him. At this time, the facts are not proven. The newly released emails, text messages, and financial records have offered new details about Epstein’s inner circle and his interactions with various influential individuals: Text messages show that Epstein advised former Trump official Steve Bannon on political messaging and TV appearances in 2018. Epstein suggested talking points for Bannon regarding Trump’s tax cuts and the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings, where Epstein suggested ways to undermine the credibility of Kavanaugh’s accuser. Concurrently, while Bannon has condemned Epstein as a “globalist child molester,” Bannon was not always critical of Epstein: the 15 hours of footage Bannon shot with Epstein were reportedly training for a “60 Minutes-style” redemption tour that never happened, and was paid for by Epstein himself. Larry Summers accepted philanthropic gifts from Epstein while serving as president of Harvard University. Additionally, Reid Hoffman has acknowledged meeting with Epstein multiple times in professional situations. The bank JPMorgan Chase has already paid $290 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed by Epstein’s survivors, who alleged that the bank ignored red flags in regards to his financial transactions that permitted his sex trafficking operation. The Bank denies any wrongdoing, and claims that the government failed to share crucial information and data. Trump calls for
From the Fire Chief’s Corner: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna November 17, 2025 (San Diego) — November is the time to spotlight early detection, community support, and lifesaving education. Local leaders and national organizations are rallying to raise awareness and reduce stigma about Lung Cancer. Why Lung Cancer Awareness Matters in November Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., claiming more lives than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. Yet, early detection through low-dose CT scans can dramatically improve survival rates. November’s observance is a call to action. Your Role in the National Movement While national organizations like the LUNGevity Foundation and GO2 for Lung Cancer lead large-scale campaigns, communities across the country, are encouraged to participate through: Educational events at hospitals, clinics, and community center Awareness walk and run events White ribbon campaigns to honor those affected Shine a Light on Lung Cancer events, which unite survivors, caregivers, and advocates Local health coalitions and public health agencies can amplify these efforts by hosting lunch-and-learns, distributing screening information, and partnering with regional cancer centers. Key Themes for 2025 This year’s national theme, “Anyone with Lungs Can Get Lung Cancer,” emphasizes that the disease affects people regardless of smoking history, age, or gender. How You Can Help Host a screening awareness event at your station, church, or community center Invite survivors to share their stories—personal testimony reduces stigma Distribute white ribbons and educational flyers at local businesses Encourage eligible individuals (ages 50–80 with a smoking history) to get screened A Message of Hope Thanks to advances in targeted therapies and precision medicine, more people are living longer with lung cancer than ever before. But awareness and access remain critical. *Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions.
Lemon Grove’s Community Bonfire to light up the night Dec. 5
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The city of Lemon Grove will host its 29th annual community bonfire on Friday, December 5 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Park, 3200 Main Street. Activities include a live band, kids’ zone, and foods available for purchase. In addition, the mayor will deliver welcoming remarks at 6 p.m., followed by lighting of the bonfire and at 7p.m. an ugly sweater contest. For more information, email Monica at mgonzalez@lemongrove.ca.gov.